Finding things to do in Scituate

Scituate, Rhode Island: A Blend of History, Nature, and Community Spirit

Scituate, Rhode Island, nestled in the heart of New England, is a delightful destination that offers a unique mix of historical heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant community events. Visitors can explore the Scituate Art Festival, an annual event that celebrates local artisans, musicians, and craftspeople. For nature enthusiasts, the Scituate Reservoir and surrounding woodlands provide excellent opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying tranquil water views. Local farms and orchards invite guests to partake in seasonal activities like apple picking and hayrides. Scituate's charming, small-town atmosphere is perfect for those looking to enjoy a peaceful retreat while engaging with a close-knit community.

Life in Scituate

Shopping & Things To Do

Scituate has plenty of small businesses around the Route 6 & town center area. You can find small boutique shops like Charming Treasures and Bittersweet & Ivy for special gifts and rare items.

For more general shopping, Scituate residents may have to travel outside of town to Johnston or Cranston. Follow Route 6 east and you’ll find several shopping centers near the I-295 junction with Stop & Shop and other retailers.

Held over Columbus Day Weekend for over 50 years, this arts festival attracts thousands of people and recognized by local magazines eight times as the best Arts & Crafts Festival in Rhode Island. There are over 200 exhibitors for the festival each year and all of the proceeds go to support local nonprofit organizations. You’ll find live music acts all day long, pop up restaurants, food trucks, antiques, and all varieties of arts and crafts.

The Scituate Reservoir supplies fresh water to more than 60% of Rhode Island residents. It’s the largest body of freshwater in the state with about 39 billion gallons of capacity. Free public field tours are offered during different seasons of the year. These walking tours visit project sites on different parts of the property and are designed to give people a better understanding of forestry and land management issues. The reservoir is also a beautifully scenic area, a perfect backdrop for bike rides, walks, and jogs.

Restaurants & Nightlife

Food spots to check out:

Scituate has its local watering holes and restaurants that are worth visiting. Stop by Howards Chowder Shack during the summertime for RI-style favorites like clam chowder, fried clam bellies, and oyster po’boys. For breakfast, you’ll find Cindy’s Diner always packed and bustling. It has a nostalgic, 1950’s interior and atmosphere that adds to the great meal and service. Finally, for one of the best meals in town, definitely try the Corner Bistro for their authentic, country-style cooking.

Recreation & Activities

Protected and run by the Scituate Land Trust & Conservation Commission, this small hiking trail is about 1.5 miles through relatively easy, low elevation forested lands. The trailhead begins right near Clayville Elementary School.

A short hiking trail near Battery & Meetinghouse Road in Scituate. The trail is approximately 1.2 miles in length and features several old “fire roads” and extensive stone walls. The marked trails lead in a double loop before circling back to the trailhead entrance.

Sporting fields →

There are several athletic fields and facilities in Scituate for youth programming and public use. The locations below include recreation space for soccer, lacrosse, baseball, basketball, and more.

Berkander Field
Hope Memorial Field
Gorham Field
Dean Andrews Memorial Field
Tasca Field